Table of Contents
- 1 Get in the Game: Ten Must-Read Sports Books for the Olympics
- 1.1 The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
- 1.2 Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
- 1.3 The Boys of Winter by Wayne Coffey
- 1.4 The Three-Year Swim Club by Julie Checkoway
- 1.5 Endurance by Scott Kelly
- 1.6 The Game by Ken Dryden
- 1.7 Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand
- 1.8 The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
- 1.9 Open by Andre Agassi
- 1.10 Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
- 1.11 Conclusion
– Are there any sports books that offer a rare glimpse into the world of competitive rowing and the power of teamwork?
Get in the Game: Ten Must-Read Sports Books for the Olympics – The Washington Post
Looking for some summer reading to get you in the Olympic spirit? Look no further than these ten must-read sports books recommended by The Washington Post. From inspiring tales of Olympic athletes to in-depth looks at the history of the Games, there’s something for every sports fan on this list.
Get in the Game: Ten Must-Read Sports Books for the Olympics
The Olympic Games are a celebration of athleticism, determination, and the human spirit. Whether you’re an avid sports fan or just someone who enjoys a good underdog story, the Olympics offer something for everyone. To get you in the spirit of the Games, there’s no better way than to dive into a good sports book. The Washington Post has compiled a list of ten must-read books that will inspire, inform, and entertain you as you eagerly await the start of the Olympics.
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
If you love a good underdog story, then The Boys in the Boat is a must-read. This book tells the incredible true story of the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew team and their quest for gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Against all odds, this group of young men showed determination, teamwork, and resilience as they fought for their chance at Olympic glory.
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Unbroken is the gripping true story of Louis Zamperini, a former Olympic track star who becomes a prisoner of war during World War II. This harrowing tale of survival and resilience will leave you in awe of Zamperini’s incredible journey and his unbreakable spirit.
The Boys of Winter by Wayne Coffey
Hockey fans will love The Boys of Winter, which tells the inspiring story of the 1980 U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team. Known as the “Miracle on Ice,” this team of young amateurs pulled off one of the greatest upsets in sports history when they defeated the dominant Soviet Union team. This book is a celebration of teamwork, determination, and the power of the American spirit.
The Three-Year Swim Club by Julie Checkoway
The Three-Year Swim Club is the remarkable true story of an underdog swim team from Maui who overcame incredible odds to become Olympic champions. Against the backdrop of World War II, Coach Soichi Sakamoto trained his young swimmers to become the pride of their small island community and eventually competed on the world stage at the 1948 London Olympics.
Endurance by Scott Kelly
For a look at the world of space exploration and the human quest for greatness, look no further than Endurance. Astronaut Scott Kelly’s memoir tells the story of his yearlong mission aboard the International Space Station, offering a rare glimpse into the physical and psychological challenges of space travel. This book will leave you with a sense of awe and wonder at the indomitable spirit of the human race.
The Game by Ken Dryden
Hockey fans will appreciate The Game, an insightful look at the world of professional hockey by former Montreal Canadiens goalie Ken Dryden. This book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a professional athlete and explores the physical and mental demands of playing at the highest level. Dryden’s eloquent writing and keen observations make this a must-read for any sports enthusiast.
Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand
Seabiscuit is the incredible true story of a downtrodden racehorse who captured the hearts of a nation during the Great Depression. This book tells the inspiring tale of how Seabiscuit overcame the odds to become a champion, demonstrating the power of hope, determination, and the human-animal bond.
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
The Boys in the Boat is a must-read for any sports fan, offering a rare glimpse into the world of competitive rowing and the power of teamwork. This inspiring tale of the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew team and their quest for Olympic glory will leave you feeling inspired and in awe of the human spirit.
Open by Andre Agassi
Tennis fans will love Open, the candid memoir of tennis legend Andre Agassi. In this revealing book, Agassi shares the ups and downs of his career, offering a raw and honest look at the life of a professional athlete. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves tennis and enjoys an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the world of professional sports.
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Shoe Dog is the fascinating memoir of Nike co-founder Phil Knight, offering a look at the early days of the iconic sports brand. This book is a must-read for business-minded sports fans, offering valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, determination, and the power of chasing your dreams.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just someone who loves a good underdog story, these ten must-read sports books recommended by The Washington Post are sure to get you in the Olympic spirit. From inspiring tales of Olympic athletes to in-depth looks at the history of the Games, there’s something for everyone on this list. So grab a book, find a cozy spot, and get ready to be inspired by the incredible stories of determination, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.
Top Ten Must-Read Sports Books for the Olympics
As the excitement of the Olympics approaches, it’s a great time to immerse yourself in the world of sports through literature. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just enjoy a good read, these ten incredible sports books are sure to grab your attention and provide a deeper insight into the competitive spirit that drives athletes to greatness.
“Friday Night Lights” by H.G. Bissinger
This classic book delves into the world of high school football in a small Texas town, exploring the pressures and expectations placed on young athletes and the impact of the sport on the community.“Open” by Andre Agassi
Tennis fans will be captivated by this candid memoir from one of the sport’s most iconic figures, as Agassi reveals the highs and lows of his career and personal life.“The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown
This riveting true story follows the journey of the University of Washington rowing team as they strive for gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, offering a glimpse into the perseverance and teamwork required for success in competitive sports.“Moneyball” by Michael Lewis
Baseball enthusiasts will appreciate this insightful look at the Oakland Athletics’ unconventional approach to building a winning team, challenging traditional strategies and redefining the game.“Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall
Delving into the world of ultramarathons and the reclusive Tarahumara Indian tribe, this book explores the human capacity for endurance and the love of running, inspiring readers to push their own physical boundaries.“The Blind Side” by Michael Lewis
This compelling story of NFL player Michael Oher’s journey from homelessness to success on the football field offers a powerful testament to the impact of support and opportunity in the world of sports.“Seabiscuit: An American Legend” by Laura Hillenbrand
Horse racing enthusiasts will be drawn to this captivating tale of an undersized racehorse and the unlikely group of individuals who brought him to stardom during the Great Depression.“The Miracle of St. Anthony” by Adrian Wojnarowski
Basketball fans will appreciate this gripping account of coach Bob Hurley and the St. Anthony High School basketball team as they strive for redemption and success against all odds.“The Four-Minute Mile” by Roger Bannister
Tracking the historic quest to break the elusive four-minute mile barrier, this book offers an inside look at the determination and physical prowess required to achieve a seemingly impossible feat.“The Game” by Ken Dryden
Hockey aficionados will be engrossed in this introspective memoir from former NHL goalie Ken Dryden, offering a unique perspective on the mental and emotional demands of the sport at the professional level.
Each of these books offers a glimpse into the triumphs, challenges, and human experiences behind the world of sports, making them perfect reading material as we anticipate the excitement of the Olympics. Whether you’re a fan of football, tennis, rowing, baseball, running, football, horse racing, basketball, track and field, or hockey, there’s a book on this list that’s sure to captivate and inspire you. So grab a copy, settle in, and get ready to be transported into the heart of the sporting world.